Build a startup in 54 thrilling hours

Mark your calendars for the next Techstars Startup Weekend, March 28-30, 2025!

Techstars Startup Weekend is an exciting and immersive foray into the world of startups. Over an action-packed three days, you’ll meet the very best mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors to show you how to get more done faster — and, maybe even start that business.

Tickets include:

  • 6 meals throughout the weekend (plus ice cream!)
  • SWAG including a sweet Techstars Startup Weekend t-shirt
  • Mentorship throughout the weekend from Dayton’s business leaders
  • Access to the Hub for the weekend
  • and so much more!

Meet last year’s winners & hear about their experience!

Register here!

What folks are saying about Techstars Startup Weekend:

Annie Alexander, Cedarville University

“Startup Weekend truly blow my socks off! It’s so cool to see what we’ve accomplished in a short amount of time. Everyone’s confidence has grown and abilities and skills have grown as well."

Micah Hermiller, The Modern

“I didn’t realize we were actually going to be making a company, and the fact that we’ve done it, too, it just blows me away!"

Army Sutanningsih, Sinclair College

“This is a really amazing program, especially for young people who are interested in being an entrepreneur. You meet a lot of people, get networks, get new ideas — this is cool!”

How the competition works:

Techstars Startup Weekend is an exciting and immersive foray into the world of startups. Over an action-packed three days, you’ll meet the very best mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors to show you how to get more done faster — and, maybe even start that business.

Tickets include:

  • 6 meals throughout the weekend (plus ice cream!)
  • SWAG including a sweet Techstars Startup Weekend t-shirt
  • Mentorship throughout the weekend from Dayton’s business leaders
  • Access to the Hub for the weekend
  • and so much more!

The Techstars Startup Weekend Schedule

The goal of Techstars Startup Weekend is to create an environment where passionate, driven, and like-minded people can come together to get things done — to learn, network, bridge the gap between trades, expose potential, and see actual results.

The event flows as follows:

Friday

  • 5:30-6:30 PM Registration–Arrive at the venue and get checked in
  • 6-6:45 PM Dinner & Networking- Eat food, share ideas, practice pitches, get to know the other participants
  • 6:45-7:45 PM Welcome & Speakers-Review agenda for the weekend and introduce speakers, coaches, and community leaders
  • 7:45-8:30 PM Pitches- Optionally line up to pitch your idea
  • 8:30-9 PM Voting-Attendees vote for the top pitches
  • 9-9:30 PM Form Teams- Teams start forming and discussing ideas
  • 9:30-11 PM Begin Work- Start to formalize teams and take an inventory of skills. Be honest, and direct about what resources and skills are needed for the weekend. You may stay and work as late as the venue will allow

Saturday

  • 9-9:30 AM Breakfast
  • 9:30-10 AM Customer Validation Workshop – Send at least one member of your team to learn the best ways to get out and talk to customers
  • 10 AM – 2 PM Customer Validation at 2nd St. Market
  • 12-1 PM Lunch & Check In
  • 1-7 PM Back to Work
  • 7-7:30 PM Dinner
  • 8:30-9 PM Check-In

Sunday

  • 9-9:30 AM-Breakfast
  • 10-10:30 AM Team Check In-Final opportunity to ask questions
  • 11 AM-12 PM Pitch Rehearsal & Tech Check-Final hours of work time should be focused on perfecting your presentation, tech-check for final presentations also takes place
  • 12-1 PM Lunch
  • 2:30-4 PM Final Presentation-Present, watch and celebrate all your hard work throughout the weekend!
  • 4-4:30 PM Judging & Awards
  • 5 PM After party at TBD local brewery

 

Global Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Global Sponsors for their invaluable support of Techstars Startup Weekend. Your commitment to fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and building thriving startup ecosystems makes events like this possible. Thank you for helping us inspire the next generation of creators!

Local Sponsors

A big thank you to our local sponsors for their incredible support of Techstars Startup Weekend. Your generosity and dedication to our community play a key role in making this event a success. We’re grateful for your commitment to empowering local talent and driving innovation right here at home!